10 Common Mistakes People Make When Owning a Salt System Pool

Salt system pools are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance and gentle alternative to traditional chlorine pools. While these systems can simplify pool care, they’re not without their challenges. At Riley & Sons Pool Services, we’ve seen how small mistakes can lead to big problems. Here are 10 common mistakes people make when owning a salt system pool and how to avoid them.

1. Neglecting to Test Water Chemistry Regularly

Many assume that salt systems take care of everything, but regular water testing is still essential. Imbalanced pH, alkalinity, or calcium levels can damage pool surfaces and equipment.

Solution: Test your water at least once a week to ensure all levels are within the recommended ranges.

2. Not Cleaning the Salt Cell

Salt cells can accumulate calcium deposits and other debris, reducing their efficiency. If left uncleaned, the cell can fail prematurely.

Solution: Inspect and clean the salt cell every 3-6 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Ignoring Salt Levels

Adding too much or too little salt can disrupt the system’s ability to generate chlorine effectively.

Solution: Maintain salt levels within the manufacturer’s recommended range, usually 2,700 to 3,400 ppm.

4. Assuming the Pool Doesn’t Need Chlorine

While salt systems produce chlorine, they may not keep up during heavy use or extreme weather conditions.

Solution: Keep chlorine shock on hand to supplement your system when needed, especially after pool parties or storms.

5. Forgetting to Monitor Stabilizer Levels

Cyanuric acid (CYA), or stabilizer, helps protect chlorine from being broken down by sunlight. Without it, your system may work overtime to maintain chlorine levels.

Solution: Keep stabilizer levels between 30-50 ppm for optimal performance.

6. Overlooking Calcium Hardness

High calcium levels can lead to scaling on pool surfaces and the salt cell, while low levels can corrode equipment.

Solution: Maintain calcium hardness levels between 200-400 ppm.

7. Not Running the Pump Long Enough

Salt systems rely on water circulation to produce chlorine. Inadequate pump runtime can result in poor sanitation and algae growth.

Solution: Run your pump for at least 8-12 hours a day, depending on pool size and usage.

8. Skipping Regular Filter Maintenance

A clogged or dirty filter reduces water circulation and the efficiency of your salt system.

Solution: Clean or backwash your filter regularly, based on usage and manufacturer recommendations.

9. Failing to Address Corrosion

Saltwater can corrode certain metals and pool components if not properly managed.

Solution: Use corrosion-resistant materials and add a sacrificial anode to your system to protect metal components.

10. Not Scheduling Professional Maintenance

Even with regular care, salt system pools benefit from professional inspections to catch hidden issues early.

Solution: Schedule annual or bi-annual maintenance with a trusted pool service provider like Riley & Sons Pool Services.

How Riley & Sons Pool Services Can Help

Since 2009, we’ve been helping homeowners in Atlanta and Metro Atlanta maintain their pools with expert care and personalized service. From salt cell cleaning to water chemistry balancing, our team ensures your salt system pool stays in top condition year-round.

Contact Riley & Sons Pool Services today to schedule your next pool maintenance and experience the difference of professional care!